Here are a few things that everyone should know for their next vacation in Cancun.
Taxis. You can get a taxi cab anywhere in Cancun, the cost is variable depending on the zone, fares to or from the hotel zone are the most expensive, we suggest you to arrange the price with the driver first. In most of the hotels you can find at the lobby area or by the bell boy counter a sign with the current prices for local taxis. The picture on the right shows the average size of the taxis, all of them are white and green stripped, it must have a number too. Capacity: up to 4 people without luggage or 3 with luggage.
Local taxis are not allowed to transport passengers from the airport, they can take you over there for your departure only. To go to your hotel from the airport you can use any transportation line located on the two terminals but be aware with the unauthorized persons working at the airport, they are commonly called pirates and you could end paying much more than the regular rate. We suggest to pre-book your airport transportation service , it is more convenient, safe and easy.

Picture of typical Cancun Taxi

To get a transportation from the airport to your hotel you must use an authorized transportation line, see this website . Cancun Airport Transportation.

Buses cost $7 pesos (NO American coins) per person / 1 way. You get a ticket, but, it is for their control. There are 4 buses R-1, R-2, R-15 & R 27. If you are traveling within the hotel zone then it really does not matter what bus you take (Wet'n Wild is the exception. It is in the hotel zone but only half the buses go there so ask before you get on). R-2 & R-15 go to Wal-mart & Mercado 28. R-1 you ask! Well, it now goes almost everywhere. You have to read the front right window of the bus as it lists where it ends up. R-1's will go to Puerto Juarez, Wal-mart, Plaza 2000, Mercado 23, the bus station & places I have never been. The R 27 turns left on Tulum Ave & goes to Plaza Las Americas (the local's mall).

Bus Tips a) Last man standing does not win anything. It means you will be flying soon. If you are the last person to pay the driver then before you can think about where you want to sit he will be going 78 miles per hour. b) Telling the bus driver where to get off is a good start but not always will it work. Most do not speak English well enough to understand you. Have an idea of where you are going before you get on. Look for landmarks. c) They will not stop to let you off unless you ask them to. Don't assume they stop at all the stops. d) To flag a bus down you need to wave one of your body parts. e) Cheapest tour in Cancun so enjoy it. f) Get on in the front and off from the back door whenever possible. g) Don't bring drinks on the bus as they will most likely end up on someone else. f) When getting off NO ONE moves for you so if the bus is packed, put your head down and push.

Exchanging money All stores, restaurants will take US dollars and travelers checks. Odds are however that the exchange will be in their favor. It is best to exchange your money first in either the bank (best options), exchange places (casa de cambio) or in the hotel (check to rate as most do not give you a good rate). NO ONE takes US coins, bills that are ripped, written on, taped up or glued back together. See Money Exchange Tips

Discos Check this link to get information of all the Cancun discos.Click here.

Mariachi: Ok Maguey, Perico's, La Parrilla

Stuff

Don't drink the water even if the hotel has a purified water system, it tastes funny. Mexican bottled water is 1/3 the price.

Avoid people on the street say " YO VIVO A KEY" means, I live here.

Set taxi fares before getting in. If you have a problem, take his number off the car & report it to your hotel.

DON'T let people change your mind about a restaurant. 'Oh that restaurant is closed' or 'My uncle owns a better one.' My favorite is 'Are you sure you want to eat there?' Every restaurant pays a commission to concierges, taxis, travel agents reps, bellboys, front desk clerks, maids, salesclerks, iguanas, sharks, monkeys etc. The commission could be as high as 15% of your bill and of course that fee is added to the menu price. 97% of restaurants pays.

Most people speak 'JOB English' meaning they get by when you ask them questions that they answer daily. Speak slowly & clearly. Don't use uncommon words. Don't expect everyone to understand your accent.

Ocean temperature year round is 80F so, jump in

Crossing the street is not a right; it's a challenge. YOU DO NOT have the right of way even in a cross walk or at a red light. Be on the defensive. Taxi & bus drivers do not have any education and think that the road holds 3 things; 1) Their vehicle, 2) Their garbage & 3) Their right of way. So RUN when crossing the street.

Use sunscreen even on an overcast day

If you where 2 hours from the pyramids in Egypt would you go? If yes, go to Chichen-Itza.

Ice is safe in the drinks. All restaurants wash the vegetables in purified water. Even the taco guy on my corner.

Always carry change! 5, 10, 20 pesos. Amazing how many stores don't have change and it will be your fault.

ATM machines, credit card slips are in pesos so DON'T PANIC when you see all those zeros

E T call homeDial 001 - area code - #. Buy Ladatel phone cards (50 cents a minute). The phones are everywhere and the cards are sold in most stores & money exchange booths. DO NOT call collect. Minimum charge is US$40! You will find these phones in 50% of the hotel rooms, lobbies and on the street